Ann Phelan is the new Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture. The Labour TD was appointed on Tuesday as Minister of State at the Departments of Agriculture, Food and Marine and Transport, Tourism and Sport, with special responsibility for rural economic development (implementation of the CEDRA Report) and rural transport.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal on Wednesday morning, the Kilkenny TD summarised her role more succinctly. “I need to fully define my responsibilities, but essentially, I see it as being minister of rural affairs.” The new Minister said she wants to meet with farm organisations as soon as possible, to discuss their priorities.

When asked about the controversy surrounding changes in how LEADER is administered, with greater control being ceded to local authorities, she replied that it was an issue she was keenly aware of, but until her remit was more fully defined, she would not know if this would be an issue for which she would have direct responsibility.

Hailing from Graiguenamanagh on the Kilkenny/Carlow border, the new Minister said that agri-related industries formed the hub of a dynamic local rural economy. “Companies like Glanbia, Keenan’s and Hi-Spec, with exports worldwide, demonstrate that food and agri-services have great economic potential,” she said.

Last Friday, the full Cabinet reshuffle saw Simon Coveney remain in Agriculture, but with the added responsibility of becoming Minister of Defence.

Tom Hayes, appointed last June, stays, maintaining his current special responsibilities of Horticulture, Forestry, the Greyhound Industry and Food Safety. Alan Kelly succeeds Phil Hogan as Environment Minister, with the Kilkenny TD nominated to become Ireland’s next EU Commissioner.